US President Donald Trump discussed with billionaire Jared Isaacman the possibility of his reappointment as NASA administrator. This was reported by CNBC, citing its sources.
Jared Isaacman is a businessman closely associated with the space industry and Elon Musk. In 2021 and 2024, he made two private space flights with SpaceX, during one of which he performed a spacewalk. After Donald Trump won the presidential election, Elon Musk lobbied for him to be the next NASA administrator.
By May 2025, Isaacman’s candidacy had passed all the necessary formal approvals, and all that remained was for the Senate to confirm its appointment. However, then there was a loud breakup between Donald Trump and Elon Musk. After a bitter exchange on social media, Trump withdrew Isaacman’s nomination, stating that he was “a blue-blooded Democrat who has never contributed to the Republican Party before.” In July, Transport Minister Sean Duffy was appointed acting head of NASA.
In September, Isaacman visited the White House, where Trump hosted a dinner for influential figures in the technology sector. Musk did not attend this meeting. Apparently, it helped restore relations. According to Bloomberg, Trump and Isaacman have held several private meetings in recent weeks to discuss the space program.
Whether Trump really intends to renominate Isaacman or not will be clear soon. But almost certainly, if such an offer is made, the billionaire will not refuse. Commenting in a letter to investors on his previous attempt to head NASA, Isaacman said, “Even knowing the outcome, I would have done exactly the same thing.”
